Print

Devil’s Food Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Devil’s Food Cake is an ultra-rich, moist chocolate cake with a fluffy crumb and intense cocoa flavor, thanks to buttermilk and hot coffee. Perfect for birthdays or any occasion that calls for indulgence.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water
  • 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • Frosting of choice (chocolate buttercream, ganache, or cream cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
  6. Stir in hot coffee or boiling water (and espresso powder if using). Batter will be thin.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, frost and assemble the cake with your desired frosting.

Notes

  • Use natural cocoa powder unless adjusting leavening for Dutch-processed.
  • Hot coffee enhances chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee.
  • Store unfrosted layers wrapped tightly if making ahead.
  • Add chocolate chips or ganache between layers for extra richness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/devils-food-cake/